Which assessment is primarily used to enhance the overall learning experience through continuous feedback?

Formative assessment is a key method used to enhance the overall learning experience by providing continuous feedback. Its primary purpose is to monitor student learning and offer insights that help educators adjust instruction to better meet the needs of their students. This type of assessment occurs throughout the learning process, rather than at the conclusion of a unit or course, allowing for timely interventions and support.

By utilizing formative assessments, teachers can gather valuable information about students' understanding and areas where they may be struggling. This ongoing feedback loop encourages a responsive teaching environment where adjustments can be made in real-time, ultimately fostering improved student learning outcomes. Examples of formative assessments include quizzes, informal observations, discussions, and feedback on draft submissions, all of which help educators tailor their instruction based on student needs.

In contrast, summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period and are typically used to assign grades. Diagnostic assessments are designed to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, often before instruction begins, while norm-referenced assessments compare a student's performance to that of a larger group. Each of these other types serves different purposes but does not focus on the continuous, flexible feedback that formative assessments provide.